She got it. Jordan was being a gentleman last night and when he’d left, she realized he was right. After the day she’d had, sleeping together might not have been the smartest thing to do. Her emotions had been on a rollercoaster from the time she woke and hadn’t ceased until she’d gone to bed. Spending time with Jordan definitely was the high point of her day. They connected so well and it seemed like he really got who she was, where she was heading. Yet she also couldn’t deny the attraction between them. It was electrifying. But what she wanted with him wasn’t a one-night fling, even though it would’ve been one hell of a night.
She blushed and Bobbi asked, “Are you having a hot flash?”
Gianna had gotten lost in her own thoughts, but that snapped her back to reality fast. “Hot flashes? What are you talking about?
Bobbi shrugged. “My mother gets them. And your face got red all of a sudden. I thought maybe you were having one.”
“I am not old enough to be going through the change of life, Bobbi,” she said firmly.
“My bad,” Bobbi giggled. “And by the way, I was just teasing. I’m not blind. I’ve seen the way you’ve been looking at him all night.”
She raised a hand and felt her cheeks. They were warm, but that wasn’t the only thing heating up. Gianna was going to need to stop looking at Jordan because if Bobbi noticed, there was no way others hadn’t. And even though she liked Bobbi, she wasn’t about to discuss Jordan with her. The best thing she could do was change the subject, and quickly.
“Looks like you and Liz are working well together on the project,” Gianna said.
It worked because Bobbi gave her a huge smile. “I can’t believe I was so nervous my first day working at Grayson Corp. You were right. All I needed to do was believe in myself and other people would believe in me. I know it’s only been a week, but I have learned so much from Liz.”
Gianna was thrilled. When Bobbi first walked into Today & Tomorrow, she knew right away there was something special about her. All she needed was someone to give her a chance. Even though Gianna believed Bobbi could do the job, that didn’t mean she hadn’t called Liz a couple of times during the week to check. It was easy to blend into the conversation. She asked about the party, and then slipped Bobbi’s name in occasionally. Liz praised Bobbi’s ability to learn new things quickly and how flexible she was when they changed. Gianna wouldn’t be surprised in the least if after a few months, Bobbi ended up working for Grayson Corp. permanently. She’d hate to lose Bobbi, but really, she’d be happy for her too.
“It’s a plus when you like your job. And from what I see, you do,” she said.
“I have decided what I want to be, too. A personal assistant just like Liz,” Bobbi announced. “Not that I’m after her job, but I want one like hers and for a boss as awesome as Rosslyn. Have you ever considered getting one? A personal assistant, I mean. Because if you decide you need one, I know someone who’d be perfect,” she smiled and gave Gianna a wink.
Gianna laughed. “One thing about life is it’s always changing. Who knows what I’ll need in a few months. And I’ll be sure to keep you in mind,” she said.
“Awesome. Now I better go grab more of that fried chicken my Mama made before it’s all gone. Next time we better make more.”
Bobbi dashed off and Gianna finally had a minute alone. Jordan must’ve been waiting for that as well and walked over to join her.
“You’re a very popular person tonight. I don’t think we had the chance to talk since we arrived.”
“I have to admit, your family is very…welcoming,” she stated. There wasn’t a person who hadn’t taken the time to come greet her, and then proceed to ask her a million questions. The difference was his brothers talked about world matters and business, and Jordan’s sisters-in-law, they all talked about her. Where was she from, how long she knew Jordan, how did they meet. Gianna was vague on all her replies. She didn’t want to tell them it was through Marvin. If he wanted them to know, he could tell them.
“Would you like to go outside for a while and get some fresh air? You know, where not everyone is staring at us?” he asked.
She looked around and all eyes were on them. “I hadn’t noticed,” Because I’ve been watching you all night.
“Not sure how you missed it.”
Before anyone could join them, Gianna said, “Fresh air does sound good.”
He escorted her out onto the rooftop. This was luxury living. There was a pool and Jacuzzi and massive gas fireplace surrounded by inviting looking couches. “This place is amazing. I can see why Rosslyn suggested having the party here, instead of at my place.”
“It’s bigger, that’s all,” Jordan replied.
She turned to him and said, “By bigger you mean my living room could fit inside their swimming pool”
Jordan shrugged. “But your couch is so much better.”
“Yeah, right.”
He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. In a husky tone that sent shivers throughout her he said, “If you don’t believe me, let’s leave now and I’ll prove it to you.”
She was so tempted. “Jordan, I can’t leave. Not now.”
He looked down at her and smiled, “Don’t worry, the offer won’t expire until midnight.” Gianna tapped her smart-watch and added a reminder set for eleven-thirty. “Cutting it close,” he teased.
“Maybe if I ask real nice, you’ll give me a grace period to collect?” Gianna said running her hand up his chest.
“Keep it up and I’ll carry you out of here now,” he warned.
Gianna reached up and took off his cowboy hat and placed it on her own head. “What type of southern gentleman would you be if you did that?” she asked.
She felt his hand slide further down until it cupped her bottom and pulled her up into the air so they were eye-to-eye.
“One that can’t stop thinking about those sweet tasting lips of yours.”
Her tongue slowly traced her top lip and said, “So kiss me already.”
Jordan claimed her lips, and none of the passion that was there last night had diminished. If anything it was more intense. Even the breeze of night wasn’t going to cool them off. She wrapped both arms around his neck, not wanting to let go. But the sound of the door opening meant they weren’t alone any longer.
As Jordan let her slip back to the ground he said, “You better make it eleven.”
Maybe ten.
“I was wondering where you two had run off to. Bobbi said you might have left already, but I knew you wouldn’t without saying goodbye,” Rosslyn said.
Gianna slowly turned and said, “He was just showing me around.”
“Well I didn’t want to interrupt your…tour,” she smiled, “but they’re about to start the judging.
“What judging?” she asked.
“On the best dressed fella,” Rosslyn announced. “Liz and Bobbi came up with it.”
Oh I bet they did.
“I’m not prancing around so someone can say I look ridiculous,” Jordan stated firmly.
Gianna said, “You look…great.” Sexy as hell.
“You sound just like Charles, but he’s going to do it,” Rosslyn said.
Jordan grunted, “Because you’re making him.”
Rosslyn shrugged and said, “I don’t make Charles do anything. But the fact the winner gets to pick their prize, well that might have changed things.”
Jordan looked down at Gianna and grabbed her by the hand. “What are we waiting for? There’s a contest about to start.” With his other hand he removed the hat from her head and place it on his. “Sorry honey, but I’m going to need that.”
Gianna looked over her shoulder back to Rosslyn who shook her head at the sight. Jordan was half dragging her back inside.
In a soft voice she said, “I thought you didn’t want to do this.”
“I changed my mind,” he said.
“Is this a sibling competition type of thing? Because I hear those can get rough,” she sta
ted. As an only child, she’d never had to worry about that. Of course it wasn’t like she’d had a lot to fight over either.
“Nope.”
She didn’t get it. Something had changed his mind and fast too. Gianna noticed all the other men were lined up. It actually was a fun idea, but she never would’ve suggested something like this with the Lawson men. They were all wearing jeans, some in t-shirts and Dylan even had a bandanna tied around his neck. Jordan wasn’t the only one with a cowboy hat. Charles and Gareth wore them too. Neither looked as good as Jordan in her opinion. Good thing she wasn’t asked to be a judge, because she definitely was biased.
Jordan went to stand with the others, but the last to arrive was the last in line. Liz said loud and clear, “Ladies and gentlemen. By request, we have determined it is too close to call. So, we need you guys to strut your stuff and give us your best yeehaw.”
“Hell no!” Charles said.
“Quitter,” Dylan said stepping forward. He spun around and then shouted, “Yee-haw!” Laughing he stepped back in line and turned to Charles. “That’s how you do it.”
Gareth said, “Not even close. Let me show you how it’s done.” He stepped forward and walked in front of Liz and Bobbi, then tipped his hat to them before taking it off and waving it in the air. “Yeeeeee-haaaaw!”
His wife Brooke was holding her sides laughing so hard. “That’s going to be hard to beat.”
Ethan said, “You are all doing it wrong. Trust me, I’ve learned a lot living in Tennessee.”
Kollette rolled her eyes. “Yet you choose to wear a suit every day.”
“Are you saying I don’t look good in these jeans?” he asked.
“Never,” Kollette smiled.
Gianna watched as Ethan walked over and placed a kiss on Kollette’s cheek, then got back in line.
“That’s it?” Seth asked.
Ethan said, “When you got it, you don’t need to flaunt it.” Then Ethan winked at Kollette.
“Or you can,” Seth said as he walked around as though he’d just finish a long ride on a horse.
Jordan laughed. “You look ridiculous.”
“No. I’d look ridiculous if I actually wore the chaps Charlene got me,” Seth grumbled.
Charlene said, “They looked great on you.”
Charles chuckled. “Proof that love really is blind.”
Gianna smiled as she took in how they all interacted together. She’d never felt as though anything was missing by being an only child until now. She wondered if any of them knew just how lucky they were.
Liz said, “That leaves just one. And after that, Bobbi and I will announce the winner. Once again, the winner gets to chose their own prize.”
Gianna had no idea what Jordan was going to do. He was the one who didn’t want to participate at all. But when he stepped out of the line, her mouth gaped open. His hips were gyrating and had his hat over his head waving it around in front of her. Liz and Bobbi started to clap and cheer him on. It didn’t look as though Jordan needed any encouragement.
“We have a winner!” Liz said. “Jordan come on over and pick your prize.” Liz pointed to a table containing gift bags.
Jordan placed his hat on his head, but totally ignored Liz. Instead walked back over to Gianna, scooped her up into his arms and started to walk away.
“Jordan, what are you doing?” she asked.
“Claiming my prize,” he replied.
“I can’t leave. I have to stay,” she said firmly.
Jordan didn’t even turn around, but shouted, “Anyone mind if we leave?” Before anyone could answer he said, “See, they don’t mind at all.”
“Jordan, I have to help clean up. It’d be rude to leave this for Rosslyn to do,” she stated.
When he looked down at her, she could tell he wasn’t thinking about the party any longer. “Rude would be going to kiss you in front of everyone if we don’t get out of here.”
She blushed, then waved as she looked over Jordan’s shoulder and mouthed sorry.
The ladies were all smiling and laughing. Bobbi and Liz were whispering and Gianna could only imagine what they were saying. There was no doubt in her mind it was something juicy and totally inappropriate. With any luck, Gianna was going to have that and a whole lot more.
When they got into the elevator she said, “I think you can put me down now.”
Jordan said, “I’m not letting you go.”
Gianna wrapped her arms around his neck and said, “The only place I want to be is right here, in your arms.” She rested her head on his shoulder and gave into the wonderful feeling of being literally swept off her feet. It was unexpected.
And romantic as hell.
They barely made it inside her apartment when Gianna reached up, and threw her arms around his neck. It was a brief kiss before she turned and double bolted the door. No one was coming in to harm her as long as he was there, but damn he was glad to know she used that beautiful head of hers.
She hadn’t been in his embrace long, yet his body reacted so strongly, his breath caught in his throat with anticipation of what was coming. His cock ached and his body yearned to have all of her.
When she returned to him, there was no inner turmoil as there had been last night. This no longer felt rushed or wrong. This was meant to be, they were meant to be from the moment they’d met all those years ago.
That was a long time to have buried his desire for her. Many nights she’d haunted his dreams and often he’d wondered, ‘what if’. But that was all in the past. They were here, and there was no reason, no obstacle, no lies to keep them apart. And for the first time Jordan was going to be able to show what he never had been about to before.
Jordan knew he should release her, and tell her all the things she deserved to hear but she kissed his neck and whispered, “What are your plans for your…prize?”
His arms tightened around her lifting her off the floor, so she had no choice but to cling to him. His blood raced through him like an all-consuming flame, feeling her body pressed against his.
“To make love to you until we touch the stars, and come to rest on the moon,” he responded.
Gianna pulled her face slightly so they were gazing into each other’s eyes. “I feel like I’ve always known you, and then when I think I’ve got you figured out, you surprise me.”
“I feel the same way about you Gianna. And when I’m with you, I find myself doing things I swore I never would.” He pulled his cowboy hat off his head and said, “Like wearing this.” He tossed it across the room and it landed on the couch.
“Bummer. I was kind of hoping you’d wear it all night,” she said playfully.
Good try honey.
Pulling her even closer to him, she moaned as she pressed up against him. He wasn’t hiding the fact he wanted her. “That’s not a belt buckle you feel,” he said, teasing her back. Even through the fabric that separated them, he could feel her swollen nipples. Fuck. “God, woman, you’re beautiful,” he said as his lips claimed hers with all his pent-up hunger he’d been holding in since he’d picked her up earlier. His cock was so hard he thought he would explode just tasting her lips. Tonight was going to be a night neither of them would ever forget.
“Where?” he asked, his breathing raged. She pointed and Jordan carried her to her bedroom. Once inside, only then did he let her feet slide to the floor, and started kissing her again. Without breaking the connection, he started unbuttoning his shirt and Gianna pulled her dress up. They stepped back long enough to pull both off.
He took a moment to admire how fucking sexy she was in her matching blue lace bra and panty set. I bet you wore that just for me. But it didn’t matter what she wore. Her body was fucking perfect.
Gianna was bold and confident and sexy as hell, yet he could see in her eyes that she was anxious, or nervous. If she changed her mind, it’d be fucking physical hell, but he’d stop. He’d never want her to feel pressured.
“Gianna, if you don’t want to, just
say the word and we stop,” he said.
“It’s not that. It’s just…been a while and I’ve never…never wanted anyone in the way I want you,” she said softly.
He reached up and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. “I feel the same way. You’re very special to me Gianna.”
She stepped forward, reached out and tried to unbutton his jeans. He could feel her fingers struggling and he brushed her hands away. Quickly he pulled off his clothes, but first pulling the gold foil packet out of his pocket and tossing it on her nightstand.
She watched him and then smiled, “Just one?”
Unfortunately, yes. He nodded, “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. I have more,” she grinned as her eyes roamed over his entire body. When her eyes stopped on his hard cock, he saw the hunger in her eyes.
She reached behind her, unhooked her bra and let it drop. Then he watched as she wiggled out of her panties and they slid down over her thighs, and onto the floor. He sucked in his breath and felt as though he couldn’t exhale.
His arousal was going to have to wait because he needed to taste her sweetness. Gently pushing her back onto the bed, he dropped to one knee and slowly his fingers traced her from her toes, up her leg and rested on her hip. He wanted to climb on top of her, bury himself deep inside, but first he was going to send her over the edge.
While his hands continued caressing her, he began kissing and nipping from her neck all the way down to where he knew he’d send her into bliss. He slipped a finger to separate her folds, and darted out and flicked her clit. He felt her shudder with excitement.
Knowing how responsive she was to his touch only fueled his fire. His tongue licked and stroked her, bringing her closer and closer. Then he circled her clit, sucked it over and over again. She tasted as sweet as he imagined, and he couldn’t get enough of her. Slipping a finger into her core he continued to bring her even higher.
She moaned and gripped his shoulders. “Jordan. Oh Jordan.” He knew she was close to her release. “Please Jordan, I . . .” She pulled at him but he ignored her.
The Billionaire's Revenge (The Blank Check Series Book 6) Page 11